I first came across the Starck Club while we were doing preliminary research for our book on psychedelics (look for it everywhere in, oh, about 18 months). Before that, I had never heard of the so-called “Studio 54 of Texas,” nor its place in the annals of American drug history. The club opened its Dallas doors in 1984 and was immediately a hot spot for the rich and famous (patrons included the likes of George W. Bush, Princess Stephanie of Monaco, Prince, Tom Cruise, and Rob Lowe). Long before rave culture became a thing, the Starck Club served as perhaps the epicenter for ecstasy, a still-new club drug that was quickly made illegal. It’s been the subject of a couple of small documentaries and a handful of articles over the years, but mostly it feels like the club was largely forgotten by time. However, I was curious to see in the newest issue of Texas Monthly a giant feature on Robert Jenkins, one of the most prolific traffickers of ecstasy in America in the 1980s and ‘90s, and the man who fueled parties from Dallas to Paris (France, but who knows, maybe the one in Texas, too). It’s an interesting read about a very different era, but with the same double standards about who gets to use and sell drugs without real criminal or social penalties that remain today. (I won’t spoil the piece, but it is notable what Jenkins ultimately got nabbed for.)
-DW
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I’ve been consuming Rose Los Angeles’ products for years and years. In fact, since before they added “Los Angeles” to their name. I believe I’ve tried every single one of their offerings, including all the limited edition flavors (and even some that never made it to retail). I say all this not to brag, but to establish my bonafides as a Rose Los Angeles connoisseur when I tell you that I think their new Sour Grape Delights are the best edibles they’ve produced yet. Made with organic Concord grapes (I don’t even like Concord grapes!) and naturally fermented grape vinegar from Tart, these Delights have a denser, more complex flavor experience than usual (which is not a knock on the others—Apple Ume Ginger is still way up there for me). There’s a heartiness to these that I really enjoy, and the 10mg of hemp-derived THC is also lovely, of course. An excellent option for someone who wants a not-too-sweet gummy.
-DW
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If you read any shopping guides for Paris, you’re almost guaranteed to see Thanx God I’m A VIP near the top of the list—and for good reason. The Marais vintage store has been color coding its extremely well-curated collection since 1994, and it remains a worthy visit. Less covered, in my opinion, is their men’s store just down the street. Unlike their serpentine flagship, this one-room shop has a much smaller collection with a much higher hit rate, especially if you’re in the market for shirts, sweaters, and jackets in the €25 to €65 range. While Thanx God on the whole is relatively reasonably priced, the men’s outpost is also significantly cheaper and less crowded.
-VvP
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While we’re on the topic of Paris, please do your best to seek out a bar from Plaq. I have it on good authority that they’re making some of the best chocolate in France. I regret not grabbing a bar for myself when I stumbled upon them on the shelves of Tapisserie—don’t make the same mistake I did!
-VvP
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You’re probably familiar with Berlin-based independent publisher Gestalten, whether by name or through their expansive catalogue of zeitgeist-y lifestyle books. Perhaps you even own their High on Design book (which features Gossamer, among many other amazing cannabis brands and figures). But maybe, like me, you were unaware that they also have an imprint just for kids called Little Gestalten. I only recently discovered their awesome selection of incredibly stunning children’s books by chance, but now I’m obsessed. The art styles and forms vary widely, but each one I’ve purchased feels like a vintage poster stepped out of a frame and remade itself into a book. They’re the type of kids books I imagine a married pair of Danish architects have in the calm and perfect playroom of their all-glass summer house somewhere. As they are made in limited runs, the books do seem to sell out, so if you purchase one and like it, you may want to immediately do a bigger order.
-DW
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I’ve written about Baserange before (twice, in fact), so it should come as no surprise that I was very excited to learn that the French-Danish brand is hosting a very rare sample sale today and tomorrow, from 10 AM to 7 PM at 168 Ludlow Street. If you need a refresher (or a reason to get yourself to the sale), Baserange is known for their modern minimalist styles, which are exclusively made from natural and recycled materials (including hemp!) and extremely versatile. I’m partial to their skirts and sweaters, which are real closet staples for me, and hoping to find another one of their Ecovero viscose midis to get me through summer.
-VvP
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